Let’s Talk FAQs

Let's Talk Pratt: Frequently Asked Questions 

Below are answers to some of the most frequently-asked questions about "Let's Talk."

What is "Let's Talk"?

"Let's Talk" is a program that provides easy access to informal confidential consultations with counselors from Health and Counseling.  Counselors hold walk-in hours at sites around campus during the week.  There is no appointment or fee necessary.

What happens at a visit to "Let's Talk?"

Appointments are first-come, first-served. Usually there is not much of a wait. The counselor will listen closely to your concerns and provide support, perspective, and suggestions for resources.

How is "Let's Talk" different from the walk-in hours or counseling in the office of Health and Counseling in Willoughby Hall?

Counselors in the Health and Counseling office provide on-going counseling, which usually consists of weekly 45-50 minute appointments. "Let's Talk" is NOT counseling: it is a drop-in service where students can have an informal consultation with a counselor.

Who should visit "Let's Talk?"                                                                             

This service is open to all Pratt undergraduate and graduate students. "Let's Talk" is the best fit for the following people:

• students who are not sure about counseling and wonder what it's like to talk with a counselor
• students who are not interested in on-going counseling but would like the perspective of a counselor
• students who have a specific problem and would like someone with whom to talk it through
• students who have a concern about a friend and want some thoughts about what to do.

I don't know anything about counseling. Would going to "Let's Talk" help me figure out what to do?

Absolutely. The counselor will talk through your issue with you and help you determine the best way to get help. If you feel comfortable with the counselor, it's sometimes possible to meet with him or her in Health and Counseling in an ongoing way.

The most convenient site for me to visit is Dekalb Hall, but I'm not an architecture student. Can I go there?

Certainly. All sites are open to all students.

I called Health and Counseling and spoke with a counselor. She offered me an appointment 10 business days from now. Can I stop by "Let's Talk" in the meantime?

If you believe you need to be seen sooner than the appointment you were given, it's best to call Health and Counseling directly and explain your situation.

I called Health and Counseling and spoke with a counselor. He recommended a referral to a therapist in New York City. Can I go to "Let's Talk" instead?

Since regular counseling visits are not available at "Let's Talk," following up with the referral is a good idea. Unfortunately, Health and Counseling cannot provide ongoing counseling to every student who requests it.

I'm currently seeing a counselor at Health and Counseling, and I would like to talk to someone sooner than my next appointment. Can I go to "Let's Talk"?

If your next appointment is not soon enough, it's best to contact your counselor directly to see if he or she can see you sooner.

I'm currently seeing a counselor at Health and Counseling, and I'm not happy with how things are going. Can I go to "Let's Talk" instead?

The best thing to do in this situation is to talk directly with your counselor. Counselors are eager to get your feedback, positive or negative. Often, an open conversation about your concern helps smooth out any wrinkles. If, after talking with your counselor, you prefer to transfer to someone else, just ask your counselor directly, either in person or by e-mail;  alternatively, you can contact the Associate Director for Counseling, Dr. Vince Kiefner, and talk with him about your concerns.

What else do I need to know?

Although "Let's Talk" counselors are professionals, Let's Talk is not a substitute for psychotherapy or formal counseling and does not constitute mental health treatment. "Let's Talk" counselors provide informal consultations to help students with specific problems and to introduce them to what it's like to speak with a counselor. Your "Let's Talk" counselor can help you determine whether formal counseling at Health and Counseling would be useful for you and, if appropriate, assist you in scheduling an appointment.

"Let's Talk" visits are confidential. Are there any limits to confidentiality?

Conversations with "Let's Talk' counselors are confidential, with a few very rare exceptions. Counselors may need to share information in an emergency when there is an immediate threat of harm to self or others. Counselors are required by law to report when a minor, elderly person, or someone otherwise incapacitated and unable to act on his/her own behalf is being abused. "Let's Talk" counselors keep brief written notes of their contacts with students, and in the event that there is an emergency or a student is referred to Health and Counseling, other Health and Counseling staff may see these notes. Finally, these notes can be released in the unlikely event of a court order. "Let's Talk" visits are never noted on a student's official university record.